veterans
Veterans and Homelessness: Honoring Service with Housing and Support
Veterans are overrepresented in the U.S. homeless population, a reality that reflects both the sacrifices of military service and the gaps in civilian systems of care. While veterans make up just 6.4% of the U.S. adult population, they accounted for 8.2% of adults experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024, according to the 2024 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress.
That night, an estimated 48,400 veterans were experiencing homelessness—nearly 60% of them living unsheltered, without access to safe, stable shelter. Over the course of a year, the number of veterans who experience homelessness is approximately double the point-in-time count. These numbers include individuals who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflicts. Many are living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic health conditions, or disabilities acquired through their service.
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Why Are Veterans at Higher Risk of Homelessness?
Homelessness among veterans stems from a complex interplay of factors—many of which reflect broader societal challenges, while others are unique to military service. These include:
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A shortage of affordable housing
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Limited income or job opportunities
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Barriers to accessing healthcare and earned benefits
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Mental health conditions such as PTSD or depression
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Substance use disorders
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Disconnection from family or support networks during or after service
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Navigating the shift from military to civilian life.
While veterans possess valuable skills, leadership experience, and resilience, the transition to civilian life can sometimes present unexpected challenges—especially for those facing service-connected disabilities, trauma, or gaps in support. Accessing the right resources at the right time can make all the difference. Without stable housing or a safety net, these barriers can compound, increasing the risk of homelessness.
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HSI’s Commitment to Veterans
At HSI, we believe that no one who has served our country should face homelessness. While all HSI programs have long served veterans, we’ve taken a step further with the launch of the Veteran Initiative at Kenmore Hall, our largest supportive housing program.
This initiative offers:
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Permanent supportive housing units prioritized for veterans
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Access to trauma-informed care, case management, and medical services
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Employment and benefits navigation assistance
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Peer support and veteran-specific programming
We recognize that veterans deserve more than just shelter—they deserve a safe, respectful community where they can heal, rebuild, and thrive. At HSI, we’re proud to stand with veterans and provide the stability they need to live with dignity.
HSI is home to more than 76 Veterans with chronic homeless histories. 100% of them now have both shelter and services to help them thrive.